Diabetes diet - gestational

Definition

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy.

Eating a balanced diet is an important part of any pregnancy. Diet is even more important if you have diabetes.

This article discusses the diet recommendations for women with gestational diabetes who do NOT take insulin.

Alternative Names

Gestational diabetes diet

Function

Food Sources

Side Effects

Recommendations

The best way to improve your diet is by eating a variety of healthy foods.

You should learn how to read food labels, and consult them when making food decisions.

Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you are a vegetarian or on some other special diet.

In general, your diet should be:

Moderate in fat and protein

Provide controlled levels of carbohydrates through foods including fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice)

Lower in foods that have a lot of sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, and pastries

You will be asked to eat three small- to moderate- sized meals and one or more snacks each day. Do not skip meals and snacks. Keep the amount and types of food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) the same from day to day.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates should make up less than half of the calories you eat.

Most carbohydrates are found in starchy or sugary foods, such as bread, rice, pasta, cereal, potatoes, peas, corn, fruit, fruit juice, milk, yogurt, cookies, candy, soda, and other sweets.

High-fiber, whole-grain carbohydrates are healthier choices.

Vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach) add much more to your health than to your blood sugar. Enjoy lots of them.

Carbohydrates in food are measured in grams. You can learn to count the carbohydrates in the foods that you like and that you eat.

Choose carbohydrate sources with plenty of fiber. Eat whole-grain foods such as whole-grain bread or crackers, tortillas, bran cereal, brown rice, or beans. Use whole-wheat or other whole-grain flours in cooking and baking.

Eat more low-fat breads, such as tortillas, English muffins, and pita bread.

Foods from this group are excellent sources of B vitamins, protein, iron, and zinc.

SWEETS

Sweets are high in fat and sugar, so keep portion sizes small.

Eat sweets that are sugar-free.

Ask for extra spoons and forks and split your dessert with others.

FATS

Go easy on butter, margarine, salad dressing, cooking oil, and desserts. But don't cut fats and oils from your diet entirely. They provide long-term energy for growth and are essential for brain development.

In general, you should limit your intake of fatty foods, especially those high in saturated fat such as hamburger, cheese, bacon, and butter.

OTHER LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Your doctor may also suggest a safe exercise plan. Walking is usually the easiest type of exercise, but swimming or other low-impact exercises can work just as well. Exercise is an important way to keep blood sugar in control.

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